Slow down and go within
Work Can Wait
For me, summer was a time to step back and examine where I want to take life. I suspect that amidst so much change and uncertainty you can relate.
One of the lessons I learned is that I need to live in line with my values.
Here’s what happened two weeks ago…
The Power of Hope
I spent years hiding behind my smile, and not a single person knew the depths of my struggles with mental illness and addiction. As a teacher, I downplayed my collapse in the hallway outside of the classroom, and after a visit with a doctor I sat alone with the cold reality that I had one month to live.
At that time I understood that if I wanted something different I had to do something different.
Mental Health Tips
Over the past few weeks I have received numerous requests asking for tips to assist in one's mental wellness. This has inspired me to create a series of mental health tips. Here is tip number 1! ...
Stories Shatter Stigma
While we are certainly moving in the right direction with mental health, stigma remains evident in our places of work and communities. Learning about various mental health...
My Journey Towards Wellness
As a kid, I never grew up hoping to one day struggle with mental illness or become an addict. Who knew that these were the lessons I needed to learn to be in a position to help others...
A Male Teacher Speaks Openly About Mental Illness
Few males can be found teaching elementary school, and even fewer of these speak openly about their challenges with mental health. Meet my best friend, James Siemens. Living in a...
Men and Suicide: It’s Time to Talk
Lately, I’ve received a lot of messages from men who are really struggling, and I have a very legitimate fear that as we continue to navigate through COVID-19 we are going to see an increase in...
3 Strategies to Manage Emotions
Here’s the thing... emotions are energy. Where we run into problems is when this energy remains trapped inside. In an attempt to manage my emotions, I spent many years turning towards self-harming behaviours, or substances like alcohol. That did not work. What did...
COVID-19 and Grief
This image was taken during my last keynote before COVID-19. As time ticks on I am finding that one of the greatest emotions I am feeling is grief. After spending so many years trying to harm or kill myself this was my redemption. However, while there is loss for all...
How Do I Help A Loved One Struggling with an Addiction?
One of the most painful things to experience is watching the person you love deteriorate in front of your eyes. At this point, it can be easy to feel both helpless and...
“What’s stronger than a broken man who has the courage to rebuild himself? It’s time to redefine what it means to be strong.”
– Allan Kehler
